Miami basketball concludes non-conference with ACC’s third best record

The Miami basketball team concluded non-conference tied for the third-best overall record in the ACC. Miami finished the non-conference part of their 2021-22 schedule with an 8-3 record. The Hurricanes will enter the remainder of their ACC schedule 9-3 overall. Miami defeated Clemson in the ACC opener on December 4.

After beginning the season 4-3, the Miami basketball team is currently on a five-game winning streak. After some troubling losses early in the season, Miami began its current win streak with a victory at Penn State in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge and over Clemson. The Hurricanes are 110th in the NCAA Net Ratings.

If Miami is going to make the NCAA Tournament they have to get more quality wins in the ACC and probably finish at least .500. Miami is 0-1 in the Net Ratings quad one, 3-1 versus quad two, 2-1 in quad three and 4-0 against quad four. Miami has five wins at home, two each on the road and at neutral sites.

The two road wins in non-conference will benefit Miami if they come close when the NCAA Tournament committee evaluates them in March. Miami has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2018. The Hurricanes have suffered through three straight losing seasons hindered by injuries, suspensions and defections.

Miami is 100th in the KenPom ratings. The Hurricanes’ non-conference schedule ranks 165th nationally. Miami is 55th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 155th in adjusted defensive efficiency. The Hurricanes need more consistency from their three-point defense. Miami is 324th in three-point defense.

Miami is 305th in field goal percentage defense. The Hurricanes are 327th in three-point shots alone. Miami has been a good offensive team led by sixth-year senior guard Kameron McGusty. McGusty is averaging 18.4 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. Third-year sophomore Isaiah Wong is averaging 15.6 PPG and 4.1 RPG.

McGusty and Wong have been supplemented by point guard Charlie Moore, small forward Jordan Miller and stretch four Sam Waardenburg who is currently starting at center. Larranaga teams have thrived with their guards. This season is no different. Wong still has his best basketball ahead of him this season.

When Miami resumes ACC play they will host North Carolina State on Wednesday, Wake Forest on January 1 and Syracuse on January 5. Miami should be favored in all three games. If Miami can win those and go into the remainder of their ACC schedule with a 12-3 record, they can set the foundation for an NCAA Tournament bid.